I’m Pregnant, and My Partner Is Abusive
If you are pregnant and feel powerless to escape your abusive relationship, you are not alone. You deserve to feel respected and safe in your relationships, and we are here to support you as you navigate this challenging situation.
If you require immediate assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at (800) 799-7233, or call 911.
At First Care, we help provide emotional support and practical resources as you navigate your pregnancy, regardless of your situation. You are not stuck or alone. A life of freedom and hope is possible.
Find A Place Safe
If your partner has shown any signs of behaving aggressively or physically hurting you, it’s important to find a safe place as soon as possible. Even if there hasn’t been any actual violence, if your partner’s behavior is unpredictable or getting worse, it’s crucial to relocate to somewhere that you can be safe. Some options include:
- Staying with a friend or family member
- Contacting a local church for assistance
- A local women’s shelter
- Staying at a hotel or another short-term rental while you create a plan
Consider Whether to Contact Law Enforcement
If you are facing physical abuse and are in immediate danger, it’s highly important that you seek help from the police right away. Physical abuse is a crime, and the police can assist in ensuring your safety.
While it’s understandable that you may not feel comfortable discussing your experience, especially if the assault happened recently, it’s essential to report the abuse so that you can be safe.
Seek Healing and Make a Plan
If you are living with an abusive partner, it doesn’t have to stay that way. You deserve a whole, fulfilling life free from fear. Acknowledging that fact alone is the first step towards freedom.
At First Care, we’re here for you. We can connect you to local resources to help support you during your pregnancy and beyond.
Contact us today to make an appointment!
Learn MoreHow Do I Tell My Parents I’m Pregnant?
No matter your age, it can be daunting to share the news about an unplanned pregnancy with your parents. Because there’s no way to be 100% sure what their reaction will be, it can be difficult to prepare for such an unpredictable conversation.
However, there are steps that you can take to prepare yourself with information and resources so that you can share the news with confidence.
You can read further for practical steps about how to deliver the news of your pregnancy to your parents.
Confirm Your Pregnancy
Before you tell them, you’ll want to be positive that you are in fact pregnant. At a minimum, avoid relying on common symptoms by taking an at-home pregnancy test at least one day after your first missed period.
At First Care, we offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing that can be accurate as early as three weeks after the first day of your last period.
Prepare Yourself
After receiving a positive pregnancy test, it’s crucial to allow yourself time to process the news and come to terms with it. Remember, you are not obligated to share this information right away with anyone else.
If you have someone besides your parents whom you can trust, it may be helpful to reach out to them first to have someone to talk to and to process the news with.
Try to think ahead of questions they might ask, such as the pregnancy’s gestational age and viability, or more logistical questions, such as which pregnancy path you would like to choose.
Consider utilizing First Care’s options counseling sessions, which provide an opportunity to educate yourself on all possible pregnancy outcomes, or to process any barriers that you may be facing in the midst of your pregnancy.
Remember to be kind and compassionate towards yourself, treating yourself with the same grace and patience you would extend to a friend facing a similar situation.
Next Steps
At First Care, we provide free, confidential services such as options counseling, pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and parenting support through our Every Family program.
During an ultrasound, we can help you gather important details like the pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and viability.
During an options counseling appointment, you can ask questions and discuss the options you are interested in exploring before you choose to deliver the news to your parents.
We can ensure you are equipped with the right information to confidently share the news with your parents. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Learn MoreWhat Can I Do if My Partner Doesn’t Support My Pregnancy?
You’re the only one who can decide what’s best for you and your pregnancy. Legally, only you can choose what to do with your pregnancy, meaning that it is illegal for anyone to coerce you into having an abortion.
If you’re feeling pressured by your partner to make a decision that you are not comfortable with, it’s important to reach out for help. Organizations like First Care can provide both practical and emotional support.
When meeting with one of our trained client care staff, you can ask questions, explore your options, and learn which local resources are available to you.
If your partner is emotionally absent or is attempting to pressure you into having an abortion, you can read this article for practical tips regarding how to move forward.
Be Informed
When facing a lack of support or opposition from your partner related to your pregnancy decision, it’s essential to be informed while making your decision. When you gather information from reliable sources that have your best interest in mind, you can be confident that you have all you need to make an educated decision.
Parenting
If you wish to continue with your pregnancy, the choice to parent your child is always available to you. Embracing parenthood in the face of an unplanned pregnancy has been found to be a fulfilling and rewarding path for many women.
While managing obligations like school or tight finances, you may feel unprepared or overwhelmed by the idea of parenting. The good news is that there are many resources for single parents balancing finances or their education with their new role.
At First Care, we’re dedicated to helping you feel confident in your decision. Our assistance extends beyond your pregnancy by providing ongoing support well into your parenting journey. If you choose parenting, we can connect you with valuable community resources as you prepare for birth, as well as material support and parenting classes through our Every Family program.
Adoption
Did you know that adoption can look many different ways between families? Depending on your level of comfort, you can make an adoption plan that discloses as much or as little information about you to the adoptive family as you’d like.
Most adoptions in the US are considered “open adoptions”, meaning that there is ongoing contact between the birth mother and the adoptive family. Many women enjoy maintaining relationships with their children through visits, pictures, or letters, but you get to decide what an adoption plan would look like for you and your child.
Abortion
An abortion requires terminating your pregnancy. If your partner is pressuring you to have an abortion, he may not have a clear understanding of all the available choices.
When considering your options, evaluating the immediate medical effects and potential long-term impact on your mental well-being is important.
While you don’t have to explain yourself to your partner, knowing the complete physical and emotional impacts of an abortion will help you if you are having an ongoing discussion about your options.
You’re Not Alone
Dealing with an unexpected pregnancy without your partner’s support can feel lonely and overwhelming, but you are not alone!
At First Care, we provide emotional support and free practical resources such as lab-quality pregnancy tests, STI testing, and ultrasounds.
Depending on your decision, we can also connect you to parenting and adoption resources. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost appointment where you can get the information you need. You deserve to feel supported!
Learn MoreI Don’t Want to Be Pregnant. Is Abortion My Only Option?
Unplanned pregnancies bring many questions and new circumstances that can be overwhelming. If you are unsure if abortion is the best choice, the other options are adoption and parenting.
Parenting involves raising your child yourself, while adoption allows you to place your child in a family that can provide a loving and stable environment.
Both options have their rewards and challenges, and it is essential to carefully consider the opportunities or disadvantages of each before making a decision.
Parenting
You may have quickly ruled out parenting as a choice for you but you owe it to yourself to evaluate parenting as rigorously as any other option. Some questions to consider are:
- Who is my support system?
- How would this affect my short and long-term career and education goals?
- Is my partner someone I could respectfully co-parent with?
- What would childcare look like?
The good news is that you don’t have to figure these answers out alone. Many couples who are trying to get pregnant suddenly feel ill-equipped when they find they are expecting!
At First Care, we are here to walk beside you and help find and provide support and resources to equip you to make the best pregnancy decision.
Adoption
One of the best things about making an adoption plan is that you have complete control over the details. Whether you continue to have a relationship with the child and their adoptive family or you want your information kept completely confidential, it’s 100% up to you.
The information below summarizes the typical adoption methods:
- Open Adoption– You have a relationship with the child and adoptive family. This makes up the majority of adoptions.
- Closed Adoption– You do not have a relationship with the child or adoptive family, and details about you cannot be disclosed.
- Semi-Open Adoption– You communicate through the adoption agency of your choice to exchange non-identifying information with the adoptive parents.
The majority of adoptions are open because most women want to keep some sort of relationship with their child, but it’s important that you only do what’s best for you.
Schedule an Appointment
Now that you have a better idea of your options, you may still have questions. We hope you do because that is what we are here for! We recommend that you schedule a no-cost options consultation with us so that you can process, ask questions, and learn what local resources are available for each option.
We are here to walk beside you and provide answers and support. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment!
Learn MoreWhat Is the Difference Between a Blood and Urine Pregnancy Test?
Are you experiencing a missed period, nausea, frequent urination, or moodiness? These are common symptoms that may point to pregnancy. Maybe you’re wondering what kind of pregnancy test to take. The main difference between a blood and urine pregnancy test is how they are done and where. Keep reading to learn more.
Different Types of Pregnancy Tests
There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine pregnancy tests and blood pregnancy tests.
A urine test is taken at home and followed up with a medical professional while a medical center performs blood pregnancy tests.
Urine Pregnancy Tests
You may have already taken an at-home urine pregnancy test. This is the most common type, which measures hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should take an at-home test at least one week after your missed period for the most accurate results.
At-home urine pregnancy tests are 99% effective and are very easy to use. When taking a urine test, you will place a couple of drops on a strip or place the strip in the urine stream. Then you will wait a couple of minutes, up to 10 minutes, for the results depending on the type of test.
Blood Pregnancy Tests
Though blood pregnancy tests are rare, they are done on special occasions for women facing infertility or when a medical professional suspects any possible health or pregnancy issues. A medical professional may also use a blood test to compare hCG levels during pregnancy.
Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests due to their ability to detect smaller amounts of hCG. They can show you a more accurate answer earlier on in pregnancy.
A blood test will require a blood sample to be sent to a lab for analysis. As a result, you may not have the results for more than a day.
If Your Pregnancy Test is Positive
If your at-home pregnancy test was positive and you’re wondering what’s next, see us today at First Care.
Once you receive a positive pregnancy test at our center, an ultrasound is necessary to understand your options moving forward. An ultrasound will give you more pregnancy details and alert you to any possible complications.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us. Same-day appointments are available. We are here for you!
Learn MoreHow Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Still wondering if you really are pregnant? Maybe you’re second-guessing how you took a pregnancy test or wondering if you need to take another one.
In this blog, we want to share all about how pregnancy tests work and why receiving a lab-quality pregnancy test at your local pregnancy center is a good idea for pregnancy confirmation.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy tests are very simple to take. They indicate if you’re pregnant by determining the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. HCG is only present when you’re pregnant, so it’s called the pregnancy hormone.
Some pregnancy tests might go about testing through urine, while others look for the pregnancy hormone in your blood. More commonly, a simple urine pregnancy test is done.
The best way to get accurate pregnancy test results is by waiting at least one day after your missed period. Waiting a bit after your missed period allows your body to produce a detectable amount of hCG.
Confirm Your Pregnancy Test Result
If you received a positive home pregnancy test result – that is a great first step. Your next best step is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy.
Though home pregnancy tests are very accurate, there is always a chance for inaccurate results. You could have possibly taken the test at the wrong time or accidentally followed the directions incorrectly. Get clarity today with a follow-up lab-quality pregnancy test to be sure.
Free Pregnancy Tests & Ultrasound
First Care provides free and confidential, lab-quality urine-based pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy.
If you receive a positive pregnancy test result at our center, we can provide you with an ultrasound. An ultrasound will verify if you have a viable pregnancy, how far along you are, and the location of your pregnancy.
Our medical team is here for you and can walk you through all your pregnancy options. Schedule a free appointment today. Same-day appointments are available.
You are not alone!
Learn MoreWhen Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
If you have recently had unprotected sex and are experiencing a missed period, then probably the first concern is that you’re pregnant. However, there is a bit of calculation involved to help you determine when the pregnancy test is likely to be more accurate (you can test too early). It’s best to wait a week after your missed period.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
After the egg is fertilized, it then travels into the uterus where it implants itself. At this stage of the pregnancy, small amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone found only in pregnant women, begin to appear in your blood and urine.
It is this hormone that pregnancy tests are designed to detect, although some women experience this during their period.
Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Tests
Urine Tests
Urine pregnancy tests are the most commonly used type of pregnancy test. Some urine tests can detect hCG as early as a week after a missed period. When the pregnancy is very early, many women like to use an at-home urine pregnancy test before scheduling one with their doctor. When used correctly, some tests boast up to 99% accuracy.
Blood Tests
While blood pregnancy tests are used at a doctor’s office, they do offer insights that urine pregnancy tests cannot offer, such as whether or not it is an ectopic pregnancy (located outside the womb). They can also detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test (6-8 days after ovulation).
Confirming Your Pregnancy
At First Care , we offer no-cost pregnancy tests as well as a no-cost ultrasound if you’re already taken a verified positive pregnancy test. Ultrasound confirms the stage of your pregnancy as well as alerts you to any possible risks or complications (like ectopic pregnancy). Schedule one today and we will be glad to help offer support and answer any questions you have about this process!
Learn MoreAbortion and Minnesota: What the Law Says
After getting a positive pregnancy test, your mind may be racing with a variety of emotions like fear, anger, or excitement. Some women may determine their plan for the pregnancy right away, while others may need more time. Regardless, it’s important to be educated on all pregnancy options (abortion, adoption, parenting) when facing an unexpected pregnancy to make an informed decision. This post will examine a woman’s legal rights surrounding abortion, what abortion methods are legal in Minnesota, and what steps can be taken if facing such a heavy decision.
Your Legal Rights
At least 24 hours before you have an abortion, you are required to give voluntary and informed consent that includes the medical risks of an abortion, the gestational age of the baby at the time of the abortion, and the medical risks of carrying the baby to term. You also have the right to be made aware of social aspects surrounding a pregnancy decision. These aspects include medical benefits available for prenatal care, childbirth and neonatal care, the father’s liability in supporting the child, a list of agencies that offer alternatives to abortion, and information on fetal pain.
Not only should you be informed of your options and risks, you should also be allowed to ask questions. This 24-hour waiting period is in place so that women have the right to think through their decision with the facts presented to them.
What Methods of Abortion Are Legal
Generally, abortions can be divided into two categories: before 14 weeks gestation and after 14 weeks gestation. While the medical aspects of these individual methods will be briefly outlined below, each method can be discussed further by calling one of our offices and/or scheduling an appointment with one of our staff.
Before 14 Weeks:
The most common method of abortion is a non-surgical abortion. This may also be referred to as a medical abortion, chemical abortion, RU-486, or “the abortion pill.” This type of abortion is legal up to 70 days after the first day a woman’s last menstrual period. This method uses a two-step process to end a pregnancy. The first step is taking a drug that blocks progesterone, which is a hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. The second step is taking another medication that causes uterine contractions to expel all uterine contents including the baby and placenta.
The other method used prior to 14 weeks is called a vacuum aspiration abortion. This method opens the cervix and uses suction to remove the baby and placenta from the woman’s uterus.
After 14 Weeks:
After 14 weeks, there are two methods used. One of these methods is termed dilation and evacuation (D&E). This method is similar to a vacuum aspiration abortion in that the cervix needs to be dilated. This can be done with sponges or rods. After the cervix is opened, medical instruments such as forceps and suction are used to remove the baby and placenta.
The other method of abortion used after 14 weeks is labor induction. This form of abortion uses medication to initiate early labor. This may include receiving a drug intravenously (in your blood stream), intravaginally, or directly into the amniotic sac. Both intravenous and intravaginal medications start uterine contractions which induce labor and eventually lead to the delivery of the baby. In a small percentage of these deliveries, the baby is born alive. If the medication that is injected directly into the amniotic sac is used, this medication stops baby’s heartbeat and then stimulates uterine contractions.
When Does Abortion Become Illegal
In Minnesota, abortions are legal until what’s known as the “age of viability” which is the point in development when a baby can survive outside the womb. Currently, viability is determined to be 23 weeks gestation. Abortions may still be permitted after the age of viability if it’s determined the mother’s physical health is at a significant risk.
No matter what options are being considered, each choice can have a lasting impact. If you are in the decision-making process and feel overwhelmed or lost, we want you to know you are not alone. Call or text any of our offices to talk through your options or schedule an appointment for a pregnancy test, ultrasound, or decision-making appointment.
Learn MoreTop 7 Pregnancy Symptoms
Not knowing whether or not you’re pregnant can lead to extreme feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
As you wait until it’s time to take a pregnancy test, there are a few physical symptoms of pregnancy to be on the lookout for that might provide you with insight.
1. A Missed Period
A missed period is often the first physical sign women notice in early pregnancy as pregnant women typically do not ovulate or have periods. Those who are attentive to their cycles and have regular monthly periods may want to pay particular attention to this sign as an indication of pregnancy.
2. Nausea
Pregnancy-related nausea, also often referred to as “morning sickness,” occurs in early pregnancy due to an influx of hormones as the pregnancy develops. Thankfully, this pregnancy symptom usually disappears in the second or third trimester.
3. Spotting and Cramping
Many women experience light spotting early on in pregnancy as the embryo attaches to the uterine lining, also referred to as implantation bleeding. Additionally, women experience cramping similar to period cramps.
4. Exhaustion
Pregnancy-related fatigue is to be expected as your body produces progesterone to support your growing pregnancy. If you’re planning on carrying your pregnancy, it’s important to give your body the rest it needs during this time.
5. Changes in Nipples
Pregnancy hormones can lead to a change in the appearance and texture of the nipples. This can be accompanied by discomfort and itching sensations.
6. Tender Breasts
While many women experience breast tenderness around their ovulation or periods, pregnancy can bring about a more acute tenderness and can also be accompanied by swelling. Not to worry — this is a typical symptom of early pregnancy.
7. New Food Cravings and Aversions
An influx of hormones can bring about a variety of strange cravings and aversions. If you are pregnant, you may find your body craving new things and developing aversions to new food or smells.
Schedule an Appointment
It’s important to note that while these symptoms can indicate pregnancy, they can also be related to other health conditions and hormonal changes. To confirm your pregnancy through lab-quality pregnancy testing, schedule your free appointment at First Care Pregnancy Center today!
Learn MoreCOVID-19 and Pregnancy
COVID-19 has brought many unknowns and uncertainties into the world, especially for those who are just discovering they are pregnant.
Under normal circumstances, it’s not uncommon for pregnant women to have lots of different emotions and questions about how pregnancy will change their life. During this time of COVID, these uncertainties and questions may be even more pronounced.
To help address these concerns, we asked our medical staff to answer your most common questions about COVID during pregnancy. The following information should not replace talking with your doctor about any concerns.
How does COVID-19 affect a pregnancy?
Research is still in process surrounding the effects COVID-19 could have on pregnancy. Pregnant women may be higher risk for negative effects from the virus, but research has shown pregnant women are not at increased risk of mortality (death).
How can I protect myself from COVID-19 if I’m pregnant?
You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, limiting direct contact with others outside of your household (especially those who are sick), and wearing a face covering. It’s also important to stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, keep your prenatal appointments, and get plenty of rest.
Can COVID affect the health of my baby after birth?
It isn’t yet known whether or not COVID impacts the health of infants after birth. In regards to breastfeeding, the limited research conducted shows no evidence of the virus being transmitted through breast milk.
What should I do if I’m undecided about my plan for pregnancy?
Once you have verified your pregnancy and confirmed how far along you are, take time to learn about all of your options. At First Care we provide free options counseling with Licensed Social Workers or Client Advocates who can answer your questions about each pregnancy option. Our professional staff will help you weigh the pros and cons of each decision and connect you with resources and referrals to support you.
Schedule an Appointment Today
All of our services are free and confidential. Call the location nearest you to schedule a lab-quality pregnancy test, limited ultrasound, or appointment to meet with a social worker to discuss your pregnancy options.
Learn More